The tribe's solid waste department aims to address the accumulation of household hazardous waste by partnering with veolia, a hazardous waste management company, for a one-time pickup and disposal

The Forest County Potawatomi Community was awarded a $100,000 project grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes (CFDA 66.812). The grant will fund the development of a comprehensive hazardous waste management plan for the tribe. Key activities include assessing disposal needs, mapping collection areas, evaluating the waste management system, and recommending an effective hazardous waste management strategy. The project aims to safeguard the environment and promote community well-being by establishing a sustainable hazardous waste program, improving disposal methods, increasing public awareness, and facilitating knowledge sharing with neighboring tribes. Successful outcomes will be measured by timely completion, budget adherence, public engagement, and the dissemination of best practices. The grant period runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

Following this, the tribe plans to establish regular collection events to prevent future buildup. Additionally, with new housing developments and an expanded health and wellness center, there's a growing need for effective waste management, prompting the tribe to seek EPA funding to develop a sustainable hazardous waste management program. The hazardous waste management plan development project aims to safeguard the environment and promote tribal well-being by creating a comprehensive hazardous waste management plan. This includes strategies for effective waste collection and disposal, community education on alternatives to universal waste, and collaboration with other tribes to address hazardous waste challenges collectively. Through meticulous planning, training, and strategic partnerships, the tribe seeks to honor its commitment to preserving the environment and protecting community health for future generations.activities:fcpc proposes several activities. Initially, the project director will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified consultants and finalize a contract with the selected consultant, who will serve as the tribe's cooperative partner. This partner will then be responsible for assessing hazardous waste disposal needs. The scope of work for the cooperative partner may involve various tasks such as conducting site visits, surveys with staff and the community, mapping hazardous waste collection areas, reviewing population growth data, assessing facilities and hauling services, evaluating the waste management system, summarizing findings, and recommending a hazardous waste management system in alignment with program goals.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:fcpc anticipates delivering several outputs, including a hazardous waste program analysis/final report, monthly check-call meeting minutes, a hazardous waste management plan, public outreach materials, and an information transfer plan. Throughout the project, the tribe will identify community risks, propose effective hazardous waste disposal methods, and establish a robust operational strategy. Fcpc envisions long-term environmental outcomes such as proper hazardous waste management, waste reduction, increased public awareness and participation, and knowledge sharing among wisconsin tribes and others. Success will be measured by criteria including timely completion, adherence to budget and contract specifications, public engagement, and information sharing. Fcpc acknowledges that certain activities, like information sharing, may extend beyond the project timeline. Evaluation of environmental outcomes will focus on consistent waste management, community engagement, and the dissemination of shared knowledge to other tribes. Through this assessment, fcpc aims to gauge the effectiveness of the project in achieving its environmental objectives. Intended beneficiaries include the forest county potawatomi community and neighboring tribal partners.